- 2020 Titles: IMPORTANT DATES
- Categories for 2020
- Rules
- Judging
- 2019 Winners
- Watch the 2019 Virtual Book Awards Gala
Nonfiction Categories
Anthologies (NEW for 2020!)
Arts/Photography/Coffee Table Books
Autobiography/Memoir
Biography
Business
Children’s & Young Adult
Cookbooks/Crafts/Hobbies
Education/Learning
Family/Parenting
Health
History, General
History, Regional
Humor
Inspiration
Nature
Recreation/Sports/Travel
Religion/Philosophy
Social Science/Political Science/Culture
Fiction Categories
Children’s
Children’s picture books
Fantasy/SciFi/Horror/Paranormal
Graphic novels (NEW for 2020!)
Literary/Contemporary/Historical
Mystery/Thriller
Romance
Short Story/Anthology
Young Adult
Poetry Categories
Anthology (NEW for 2020!)
Debut
General
Regional
Design Categories
Cover Design
Illustration
Interior Design
Total Book Design
Questions? Midwest Book Awards Chair Jennifer Baum can answer your questions and provide guidance if you are not sure how to choose the specific categories that could be appropriate for your book in the Midwest Book Awards program. Email bookawards@mipa.org.
Publishers based in the Midwest are invited to enter the 31st annual Midwest Book Awards competition for excellence in books published and copyrighted between Nov. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2020. The awards recognize creativity in content and execution, overall book quality, and the book’s unique contribution to its subject area.
Who May Enter
- All entries MUST have an ISBN and have been published and copyrighted between Nov. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2020.
- All entries must have a copyright page that includes publisher’s name and address, copyright notice, and ISBN.
- New editions (including the new ISBN) of previously published books are eligible. Reprints do not qualify.
- Entries must be published by publishers located in the 12-state region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
- A single title may be entered in multiple categories, if applicable. Only print books may be entered. No eBook or app submissions will be accepted.
Deadline
Deadline for receipt of books and entry fees is Jan. 15, 2021.
Awards & Benefits
- Three (3) finalists are selected in each category. From those, one (1) winner is chosen. Finalists and award winners receive certificates, and winners will also each receive a bronze medallion.
- Both finalists and winners may purchase foil seals for use in marketing efforts and will be featured in the Midwest Book Awards Gala Program, in MiPA press releases, and on the MiPA website.
- Judges’ individual book evaluation sheets will be provided to all entrants after the awards are announced.
- Award will be presented during a virtual, regional gala held online in June 2021. More details to come.
- Additional exposure opportunities are available to finalists and winners via our Bookshop.org bookstore and social media channels, and MiPA’s program for Midwest Book Award Winners: The Virtual Reading Series.
Judging Criteria
Each entry will be judged by three independent judges. Finalists are determined by totaling the scores from all three judges. The winning entry is the title with the top score. The judges’ decisions are final. Please note: If the entries in a category do not meet the standards for quality as set by the Midwest Book Awards, no award will be given in that category for that year.
Judges will consider the following:
- Content and quality of writing and images
- Overall quality and creativity in book design and production
- Originality and contribution to the subject area
See Judging tab for more information about judging criteria.
We use a panel of more than one hundred volunteer judges who hail from each of the twelve states in MiPA’s region. Most of our judges are librarians who are subject matter experts in their assigned categories.
Each entry will be judged by three independent judges. Judges’ individual book evaluation sheets will be provided to all entrants after the awards are announced. Judges assign a numerical score to each question. They are invited to—but not required to—offer additional comments, observations, and suggestions.
Numerical scores decide the finalists and winners. Comments are purely for the benefit of the publisher. One of the goals of MiPA is to help publishers produce quality books and learn best practices in the industry. We encourage you to look over the judging information listed below to get an idea of the areas on which your entry will be evaluated.
Subject Categories
The editorial criteria used for all subject category entries (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) include the following questions:
Writing: Is the writing style engaging and the voice consistent? How well does the text follow generally accepted principles of good writing for the genre (i.e., clear sentence structure, use of active voice, strong vocabulary)?
Mechanics/Organization: Rate the mechanical correctness of the copy regarding grammar, spelling, punctuation. Is the content well organized and does it flow easily to allow comprehension and maintain interest (pace) by the intended reader audience?
Clarity/Storytelling: For fiction, is the plot engaging and original? Are characters appropriately developed? For nonfiction, is the information well presented and organized clearly? Is the topic compelling? For children’s books, is the story interesting and is the writing appropriate for the age level?
Production: Rate the production quality of the book (formatting, consistency in design, printing quality).
Overall Reaction: Rate your overall impression of the content and quality of the book.
Design Categories
The design criteria used for evaluating entries in cover design, interior design, illustration, and total book design include the following questions. These questions are fine-tuned for the specific category. For example, cover design judges will only receive questions pertaining to cover design.
Cover Appearance: Does the total cover design create interest—do you want to pick up the book and examine it more closely? Does the cover fit the genre? Are the photographs or illustrations appropriate, of good quality, and reproduced well? Does the choice of color on the cover stimulate interest and fit with the subject?
Cover Layout: Is the typeface attractive, readable, and appropriate for the subject matter? Does the organization of cover elements create a coherent look? Are front and spine copy legible in all formats (i.e., bookstore shelves and online thumbnails)?
Interior Appearance: Is the book layout (i.e., the organization of heads, subheads, indents, and breaks in copy) consistent and does it facilitate reading? Are font styles and typographic composition easy to read and complementary to each other?
Interior Layout: Are margins well spaced? Do the letter, line, and word spacing create a pleasing reading experience? Is the printing well done throughout and does the paper stock fit the book’s design? If there are illustrations or photographs in the interior, are they appropriate, of good quality, and reproduced well?
Overall Reaction: Rate your overall impression of the design of the book.
Congratulations to the winners of the 30th Annual Midwest Book Awards!
Arts/Photography/Coffee Table Books
- Saint Paul Almanac (Arcata Press)
- Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City by Jeff Morrison (Wayne State University Press)
- Tulips, Chocolate & Silk by Marguerite Ragnow and Natasha D’Schommer (James Ford Bell Library)
Autobiography/Memoir
- Tucker Lake Chronicle by Joan Crosby (Nodin Press)
- The Color of Love by Marra B. Gad (Agate Bolden)
- Rebel Poet by Louis V. Clark III (Wisconsin Historical Society Press)
Biography
- The Question is “Why?” by Eric Steven Zimmer (Vantage Point Press)
- Roses of the Prairie by Lawayne Leno (Beaver’s Pond Press)
Business
- Soar: Indie Author Business Planner by Delia Remington (Eagle Heights Press)
- Measure Their Feet by John Schuler (Nodin Press)
- Let Me In by Elaine Koyama (Beaver’s Pond Press)
Education/Learning
- Raising Will by Katherine Quie (Wise Ink Creative Publishing)
- Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered by Lisa Murphy (Redleaf Press)
- Acting Out! Avoid Behavior Challenges with Active Learning Games and Activities by Rae Pica (Redleaf Press)
Family/Parenting
- Raising Will by Katherine Quie (Wise Ink Creative Publishing)
- Facing Cancer as a Friend by Heather Erickson (Connected to the Vine Publishing)
- #Lookup: A Parenting Guide to Screen Use by Judy Stoffel (Wise Ink Creative Publishing)
Fiction—Children’s
- Esther’s Gragger by Martha Simpson (Wisdom Tales Press)
- A Letter from Saint Nicholas by Jay Hornbacher (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- New Moon’s Family by Erika Adams (Beaver’s Pond Press)
Fiction—Fantasy/SciFi/Horror/
- What Haunts Us by Loren Niemi (Moonfire Publishing)
- Gardeners of the Universe by Ronald Peterson (PTB Books)
- Wireless and More Steam-Powered Adventures by Alex Acks (Queen of Swords Press)
- The Traveling Triple-C Incorporeal Circus by Alanna McFall (Atthis Arts)
Fiction—Literary/Contemporary/
- The Light from the Dark Side of the Moon by Norman Gautreau (Amphorae Publishing)
- Beneath the Flames by Gregory Lee Rentz (Three Towers Press)
- Irreversible Things by Lisa Van Orman Hadley (Howling Bird Press)
Fiction—Mystery/Thriller
- Death Spoke by Leonard Krishtalka (Anamcara Press)
- Looking for Garbo by John James Miller (Amphorae Publishing)
- Figure Eight: A Northern Lakes Mystery by Jeff Nania (Little Creek Press)
Fiction—Romance
- Last Call by Frank Weber (North Star Press)
Fiction—Short Story/Anthology
- Shades: Detroit Love Stories by Esperanza Cintron (Wayne State University Press)
- Unblinking by Lisa Lenzo (Wayne State University Press)
- Dark Conjurings: A Short Fiction Horror Anthology by Delia Remington (Eagle Heights Press)
- On the Banks of the River Sarayu by Bharati Sen (Amphorae Publishing)
Fiction—Young Adult
- Cady and the Bear Necklace by Ann Dallman (Henschel Haus)
Health
- The Healing Nature Trail by Tamarack Song (Snow Wolf Publishing)
- Not Another Breastfeeding Book by Chelsie Knight (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- Facing Cancer as a Friend by Heather Erickson (Connected to the Vine Publishing)
- Truthspeaking by Tamarack Song (Snow Wolf Publishing)
History—General
- The Interior Borderlands by Jon Lauck (Center for Western Studies)
- Spirit of the Indian Warrior by Michael Fitzgerald (World Wisdom)
History—Regional
- Wisconsin Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr. (Post Office Fans)
- Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater by Mark Larson (Agate Midway)
- Stringing Rosaries by Denise Lajimodiere (North Dakota State University Press)
Humor
- Astonishing Tales by Matt Geiger (Henschel Haus)
- Tales from the Beach House by James Aylott (Beautiful Arch)
- The Crooked Lake Chronicles by Mike Lein (Jackpine Writers Bloc)
Inspiration
- Wonder-Full: Activate Your Inner Superpowers by Kelly Radi (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- Survivor’s Obligation: Navigating an Intentional Life by Chris Stricklin and Joel Neeb (Elva Resa Publishing)
- Facing Cancer as a Friend by Heather Erickson (Connected to the Vine Publishing)
Nature
- The Healing Nature Trail by Tamarack Song (Snow Wolf Publishing)
- One Size Fits None by Stephanie Anderson (University of Nebraska Press)
- For Love of a River: The Minnesota by Darby Nelson (Beaver’s Pond Press)
Nonfiction—Children’s
- Sport: Ship of the Great Lakes by Pamela Cameron (Wisconsin Historical Society Press)
- Hildegard of Bingen by Demi (Wisdom Tales Press)
- Hugh Armstrong Robinson: The Story of Flying Lucky 13 by Billie Holladay Skelley (Amphorae / Goldminds Publishing)
Picture Books—Children’s
- Esther’s Gragger by Martha Simpson (Wisdom Tales Press)
- Hundredth Day Disaster by Bridget Reistad (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- Fly-in to the Boonies by Bob Allen (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- New Moon’s Family by Erika Adams (Beaver’s Pond Press)
Poetry—General
- Hitman-Baker-Casketmaker by Klecko (Paris Morning Publications)
- Native Species by Todd Davis (Michigan State University Press)
- Teacher/Pizza Guy by Jeff Kass (Wayne State University Press)
Poetry—Regional
- An Hour From Now by Laurie Allmann (Nodin Press)
- Native Species by Todd Davis (Michigan State University Press)
- Hunter’s Log: Volumes II & III by Timothy Murphy (North Dakota State University Press)
Poetry—Debut
- Dear Descendent by Carol Masters (Nodin Press)
- Animal/Flame by Michelle Lewis (Conduit Books & Ephemera)
Recreation/Sports/Travel
- Dairylandia by Steve Hannah (University of Wisconsin Press)
- Changing Places by Jeff Appelquist
Religion/Philosophy
- Wormwood and Gall by RW Holmen
- Still by Rebecca Bender (North Dakota State University Press)
- Esoterism as Principle and as Way by Frithjof Schuon (World Wisdom)
Social Science/Political Science/Culture
- Stringing Rosaries by Denise Lajimodiere (North Dakota State University Press)
- Proxmire: Bulldog of the Senate by Jonathan Kasparek (Wisconsin Historical Society Press)
- We’ve Been Here All Along by R. Richard Wagner (Wisconsin Historical Society Press)
Illustration—Graphic
- Fly-in to the Boonies by Bob Allen (Beaver’s Pond Press) Designer: Erin Boe
Design—Cover Design
- Stringing Rosaries by Denise Lajimodiere (North Dakota State University Press) Designer: Jamie Hohnadel Trosen
- Irreversible Things by Lisa Van Orman Hadley (Howling Bird Press) Cover illustrator: Jonny VanOrman
- Detroit: Engine of America by RJ King (Momentum Books) Cover art: Kevin Martin and Stephanie King
Design—Interior Design
- Spirit of the Indian Warrior by Michael Fitzgerald (World Wisdom)
- Sport: Ship of the Great Lakes by Pamela Cameron (Wisconsin Historical Society Press) Designer: Renee Graef
- For Dear Life: Women’s Decriminalization and Human Rights by Carol Jacobsen (University of Michigan Press) Designers: Carol Jacobsen and Shaun Bangert
Design—Total Book Design
- Saint Paul Almanac (Arcata Press)
- Sneakyart of Eau Claire by Nishant Jain (Beaver’s Pond Press)
- Stories from the Wreckage by John Odin Jensen (Wisconsin Historical Society Press) Designer: Percolator Graphic Design
Additional Details
Books are accepted for the annual Midwest Book Awards from any independent publisher in the 12-state Midwest region published during the 2019 calendar year. For each category, three judges independently score each entry in criteria relevant to that genre. Scores are tallied with the top three books (four, if a tie) above a minimum threshold named as finalists. Winners in each category will be announced during the live online awards gala, and on social media during the event.
Follow the Midwest Book Awards on facebook for more information and news.
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